BCP Council to discuss series of town centre improvements

Eight projects could be approved this week

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 30th Sep 2024

A series of improvements to the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could be approved by BCP Council this week.

A meeting on Wednesday (2nd October) will consider multiple ideas including:

• Putting in place digital infrastructure to implement public Wi-Fi across Christchurch town centre

• Improving and replacing planters and hanging baskets, and installing Christmas tree wall mounts in Christchurch town centre

• Purchasing a grounds maintenance machine to water plants and jet wash pavements

• Creating a mural across the subway leading to Poole Lighthouse

• Completion of streetlamp upgrades in Poole Old Town

• A ‘Street Life’ Festival - a six-month calendar of activities designed to enliven Bournemouth town centre, increase footfall and appeal to all ages and interests.

• Street enhancement scheme on six Bournemouth streets, using existing street furniture to create cultural trails, add place branding and dress the streets with original sculptures. The proposal includes major assets in the form of selfies and photo opportunities.

• Installation of street art on the walls adjacent to the cycle path running from Pier Approach to the BH2 Cinema complex, and on the entrance to West Hill car park behind the Triangle

All the projects are aimed at boosting visits to the town centres and making them more attractive to visitors and residents, while improving safety.

The Government's given £358,000 to BCP Council towards the scheme, with over £98,000 in match funding coming from the local BIDs.

Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of the Council said:

“Investing in our town centres is a high priority for us, and we’re really pleased to be able to provide this one-off funding for projects that will deliver long term benefits to the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

"This is about enabling our partners to create and deliver these inspiring projects, and I am excited to see how they will add to the ongoing positive work to revitalise our three town centres.”

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